5 Best Predator Generators – Reviews and Buying Guide

LAST UPDATED: Aug 31, 2019

10Models Considered

62Hours of Research

3Experts Interviewed

256Reviews Analyzed

A brand known for its superior quality products, Predator generators have been around since 1988. Manufactured by Harbor Freight Tools USA, the generators boast of a quality you’ll love. The brand makes generators to fulfill the wide range of requirements from residential to commercial, so it is easy to find the best Predator generator you. Apart from being affordable, these generators can crank up large amounts of power, which makes it an ideal back-up generator.

If you are a first-time generator buyer and have your doubts about Predator generators, here is a researched review and buying guide for you. We compared different features including engine capacity, generator type, peak and running wattage, fuel tank, and runtime. All these features combined make for a good generator. When you are purchasing a generator, you must consider certain factors including durability, long runtime, and flexibility, all of which are offered by Predator generators. These models are reliable and mostly preferred by homeowners who travel or camp a lot, so you are going to look at their portability as well.

Top 5 Predator Generators Review 2019

To create our review, we tested the top five models by the brand for two days each. We also used product specifications and went through several expert and customer reviews of each product to help you understand them in a better way. Our review article is divided into three broad sections – a comparison table, detailed product reviews, and a handy buying guide, which will assist you in finding the best Predator generator for your needs.

One of the best models by Harbor Freight, the 6,500-watt Predator generator is fitted with a 301cc / 8 HP air-cooled OHV gas engine that produces 6,500 peak and 5,500 running watts. The power produced is enough to start big appliances including refrigerators, lawn mowers, and air conditioners. Since it is a conventional generator, it makes 74 dB(A) of sound, which can be annoying. However, you can attach a muffler to the generator, and the noise will reduce to below 68 dB(A).

It comes with six outlets including four 120V duplex 3-prong outlets, one 240V twist lock, and one 12V DC outlet, which can run three big and three small devices at the same time. The generator has a highly efficient eight gallons fuel tank with a runtime of 14.5 hours at 50 percent load, so you can go without refueling throughout the night and get a full sleep. The engine is encased in a strong steel roll cage that stabilizes the generator structure and assists you in moving it around.

A small drawback of this generator is that it only has recoil start but the amazing features it offers overpowers it effortlessly. It comes with a two years warranty on workmanship and defect in materials used. You can purchase a wheel kit separately to make it more portable.

Predator 63584 is a bestseller inverter model by Harbor Freight that runs on unleaded gasoline. It has a fuel tank capacity of 2.6 gallons that keeps the 212cc air-cooled OHV engine running for 11 hours at 25 percent load. The portable generator runs quietly at 57 dB(A) and has two start options including electric push button and recoil. It weighs 99.2 lbs, which makes it a perfect choice for RV use, tailgating, and outdoor recreational activities.

The generator measures only 20 inches in size, so you can conveniently store it in a small space when not in use. It produces 3,500 peak watts and 3,000 running watts and also has a parallel connector to connect with another generator of the same size to double your output and make the power last longer. The generator has four outlets including two 120VAC grounded outlets, one 120VAC twist lock, and one DC-12V Two Pin outlet.

It comes packed with features including CARB compliance, EPA III approved, digital LCD screen, output light indicators, and a low oil shutdown feature. For portability, the Predator generator has smooth-rolling casters. It is also secured with electronic overload protection. Like other models, Harbor Freight offers two years of warranty on workmanship and defects with this generator.

Packed with powerful features, Predator 63087 by Harbor Freight comes with a durable and strongly 420cc / 13 HP air-cooled OHV gas engine that produces 8,750 surge and 7,000 continuous watts. It is a conventional stationary generator with six outlets including four 120V duplex, 3-prong outlets, one 120V twist lock, 3-prong, one 120V/240V twist lock, 4-prong, and one 12V DC outlet. The generator is CARB compliant, which means you can use it in national parks and California.

At 50 percent load, it runs for 12 hours, so you can enjoy hours without refueling the generator. Also, it comes with a number of safety features, including low oil shutdown, GFCI outlet protection, and EPA III approved, which protect you from preventable accidents. Since it is a conventional generator, it makes a lot of noise, which is the only drawback of this model. It makes 76 dB(A) of noise at a distance of 10 feet from your house, which means it isn’t suitable for RV use.

The generator has two start options, including recoil and electric. However, to use the push button, you will have to purchase a battery separately and assemble it into the model. You can also purchase a wheel kit from Harbor Freight and turn the stationary generator into a portable generator. You will receive a two years warranty from the manufacturer.

Another durable model by Harbor Freight, Predator 63079is a conventional generator that runs on gasoline and produces 4,000 peak and 3,200 rated watts. The generator has a four gallons fuel tank that keeps it running for 10 hours at 50 percent load. It is fitted with a 212cc, 6.5 HP air-cooled OHV engine, which is protected from extreme weather conditions in a one-inch thick steel roll cage. You can run six appliances simultaneously as the model comes with six outlets, which include four 120V duplex, 3-prong, one 12V DC, and one 240V twist lock, 4-prong outlet.

All outlets are GFCI protected, which is a circuit breaker that stops the engine on sensing an imbalance in the power produced. A major downfall of this model is 72 dB(A) of noise, which can be a problem if you have kids at home. It only has recoil start option, which can be frustrating as your hand and back gets jerked back when you switch on the generator. Also, it isn’t CARB compliant, so you can’t use it in California or any national parks in the country.

On a brighter note, it offers a number of safety features including low oil shutdown and EPA III approval. The generator comes with a two years long warranty on defect and workmanship.

An affordable model by Harbor Freight, this 2,000-watt Predator is fitted with a 79.7cc air-cooled OHV engine that runs on gasoline. It is an inverter generator with a small one-gallon fuel tank with a 12 hours runtime at 25 percent load. The portable model weighs 53.9 pounds, so you can carry it with you on road trips, camping trips, and outdoor activities. It has three outlets including one DC-12V Two Pin and two 120VAC grounded outlets to run two big and one small appliance simultaneously. It is a compact generator has produces 2,000 peak and 1,600 continuous watts.

It only has a recoil start, which is a disadvantage of using the model. The generator produces 65 dB(A) of noise, which is higher for an inverter generator but you can lower the sound using a muffler. It runs on gasoline and CARB and EPA III certifications, making it suitable for use in California and national parks in the United States. You can use its parallel capability feature to connect another 2,000-watt Predator generator to increase the power output and run more appliances at the same time. Purchase the RV Ready Predator Parallel Kit from Harbor Freight to make it happen

It has a completely enclosed high-impact housing that protects the engine from extreme weather conditions and dust and insects when not in use.

Pros

Three outlets for running multiple devices

Parallel capability feature

CARB and EPA III compliant

Produces clean energy for small appliances

Cons

Runs loudly for a small inverter generator

Buying Guide

When it comes to buying a portable generator, there are a number of factors you need to consider. Now that we have gone through the in-detailed reviews of the top five generators by Predator, let’s take a look at different factors that will influence your buying decision.

Predator generators: What you should know about them?

An ideal brand to meet your power requirements, Predator generators are easy to operate, affordable, and durable. When compared with expensive brands like Honda, Predator stands out to a better recreational generator. It costs half as much and offers the same performance and features. Conventional generators by Predator are louder than those by Honda, but the inverter generators are just as quiet, so you won’t even notice any difference.

Advantages of Predator generators:

It costs half the price of generators by popular brands like Honda and Yamaha.

The low oil feature of Predator generators stops the engine automatically when the oil level drops below the minimum.

All generators have a runtime of at least 10 hours at 50 percent load, which makes the brand one of the most fuel efficient in the market.

Not all but most models are CARB compliant, which means you can use them California and national parks across the United States.

The generators tend to make a lot of noise, especially the conventional type. They produce at least 72 dB(A) of sound, which can be uncomfortable and distract you from your daily routine.

They are heavy, so don’t even think about carrying them from one location to another.

Generator type: inverter or conventional?

Inverter

A new generator technology, inverter generator produces alternating current and it into changes direct current and coverts back into alternating current to produce sine wave. It is clean energy, which makes inverter generators safe for delicate devices including mobile phones, laptops, coffee makers, and hairdryers. Top inverter models by Harbor Freight include 2,000-watt and 3,500-watt Predator generators.

Conventional

Conventional generator is an old technology, which produces alternating current, which is then converted into direct current. It isn’t usually safe for delicate devices and tend to make a lot of noise.

How much power do you need?

Your requirements dictate your power needs. For example, if you want to buy a portable generator for your RV, you need a compact generator that produces 7,000 to 9,000 running watts to run the refrigerator, heater, and microwave. On the other hand, if you want a generator to carry out outdoor activities like lawn mowing and furniture building, a smaller generator will do the job.

The number of watts an appliance consumes decides the total power you will need. Here’s an average of how many watts common appliances at home use:

Ceiling fan – 120W

Hair dryer – 1,500W

Desktop computer – 200W

Central air conditioner (24,000 BTU NA) – 3,800W

Water heater (electric) – 4,500W

Clothes washer – 800 W

Smart phone (recharge) – 6W

How long you need to run your generator?

On average, an ideal generator should run for at least 10 to 12 hours at 50 percent load, so you can keep the air conditioner or heater running throughout the night without needing any refuelling. All Predator generators offer minimum 10 hours of runtime, making them a great choice to meet your power needs.

Safety features

Predator generators offer a number of safety features, including:

Low oil shutdown – to protect the engine from overheating and overuse.

Tips and tricks

Here are a few safety tips you need to follow while installing and using a generator:

To make sure that you have received a good model, test the generator as soon as you receive it.

Always keep the generator at least 20 feet away from your house. The engine and exhaust fan should be directed away from the windows and doors of your house.

Never use a portable generator in the rain because it can malfunction. Keep it in a well-ventilated and covered area.

When the generator is running, place a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector near it as an added layer of safety.

Predator generator prices

A 2,000-watt Predator inverter generator costs around $465. A similar wattage model by Honda will cost at least $900, so you can save half of your money by buying a Predator model. You will receive the same customer service as Harbor Freight has multiple service stations across the country.

FAQ

Yes, you can connect a portable Predator generator to your RV, but it needs to be professionally installed. Always use an inverter generator because they barely make a humming sound and are safe for delicate devices.

All Predator generators come with a two years warranty on material defects and workmanship.

Our Verdict

This brings an end to our review article, which means it is time to reveal our top three picks. Without any doubt, our top choice is Predator 63966. Its long runtime of 14.5 hours at 50 percent load using an eight-gallon tank is what impressed the most about it. Also, the generator has six outlets, so you can run a refrigerator, washer and dryer, a mobile phone, and a laptop simultaneously and keep your family comfortable and safe during hurricanes and storms.

Our second favorite is Predator 63584, which is an inverter generator perfect for RV use. It is compact in size, lightweight, and easy to store. It has four RV-ready switches and a 2.6 gallons tank that keeps the engine running for 11.2 hours at 25 percent load.

Third comes Predator 63087. It is the most powerful generator by Harbor Freight and powers six appliances simultaneously. The generator’s 6.6 gallons tank offers a 12 hours runtime at 50 percent load, making it one of the most efficient models by the brand.

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